The state fair is a cherished American tradition, with its origins dating back to the first event in Syracuse, New York, in 1841. As the 19th century progressed, other states developed their own versions, with states like Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin hosting some of the largest and most frequented fairs. These events, typically held in late summer or early autumn, are deeply rooted in the agricultural heartlands of the nation.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery is showcasing an exhibition titled State Fairs: Growing American Craft, which highlights the unique crafts and traditions of these festivals. The exhibition features a variety of displays from butter-sculpted cows and 4-H contests to seed art and novelty foods, celebrating both innovation and traditional farming practices, rural culture, industry, and arts and crafts.
Known for its seed art, the Minnesota State Fair showcases scenes crafted entirely from locally grown grains and seeds. Artists often recreate renowned artworks and celebrity portraits using various crops, accompanied by a “legend card” detailing the seeds utilized.
The Renwick Gallery features over 240 pieces, including intricate contemporary jewelry and historic quilts. Among the highlights is a mixed-media resin necklace by designer Morgan Hill, celebrating leisure activities, and a geometric weaving by Agueda Martínez (1898-2000) that showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Southwestern tapestry blanket weaving.
This exhibition, Growing American Craft, is the first of its kind to provide a large-scale survey of state fair creativity, representing 43 states and Tribal Nations. According to the museum, “Ribbon-winning artworks and engaging craft demonstrations illuminate the lives of the artists—their families, memories, honors, and struggles.”
Aiming to emphasize the pride, resilience, and creativity of rural communities, the exhibition challenges stereotypes and highlights the integral role of fairgrounds in American society. Visitors can experience various interpretations of state fair events, such as a pyramid of over 700 glass jars filled with preserved produce by canning expert Rod Zeitler.
The exhibition also features works that highlight the importance of crops, such as a sweetgrass basket by South Carolina artist Corey Alston, who draws from Gullah Geechee tradition to create intricate designs. Justin Favela has transformed the Rubenstein Grand Salon into an immersive installation called “Capilla de Maiz (Maize Chapel),” featuring golden walls adorned with piñata corncobs, reflecting maize’s historical significance in America.
State Fairs: Growing American Craft runs until September 7 in Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian has published a catalog to accompany the exhibition, available on Bookshop.
McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina
